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February 24, 2009

Penny Feels Great

Today, for me, answered a lot of questions, mentally and physically. I didn't know what to expect the first time going out there to face hitters, but everything felt great. ...

I had life on my fastball, felt a good rotation on my breaking ball. The splitter was a little erratic, but that will come later in spring.

Penny is on target to start on March 5 and Jonathan Papelbon, who also threw live BP (video), may see game action on March 3.

Julio Lugo is hungry to "ready to get back to the level I was at. ... That's why I get paid so much money -- to do well." (Keep in mind that among AL shortstops with at least 300 PA last year, Lugo's .355 OBP was 2nd best.)

YFSF: "David Ortiz made some waves this spring by advocating again for the acquisition of a big bat to hit behind him in the lineup -- under the theory that without a Manny Ramirez-esque bat protecting him, he will receive no pitches to hit." Paul SF examines whether Ortiz's worries are well-founded.

All home games previously scheduled for 7:05 PM will now begin at 7:10. Larry Lucchino:

During the week approximately 60 percent of our fans enter the ballpark after 6:30 p.m. Moving the starts by even a few minutes will give them a little more time to make it to Fenway Park ... and reach their seats before the first pitch.

I can't even get over that hurdle myself so should he be able to. That messes with your head, he sucked before Manny and with him he became a legend. Then after Manny he begins a horrible slide due to his health and ended the year on a bad note. Papi is not in a good confidence place right now. He needs to bang out a few homers to really get in his groove. I think it will happen early on. Pitchers will still pitch to him because he is swinging for the fences all the time and strikes out a fair amount. They know he has something to prove so he will be a green light to swing on every pitch. I am most excited about what Pedroia will do to one up his last year's performance.